When we heard about the shooting this week that wounded three men at a community college in Texas, the first thing we thought about was whether this was one of the schools that allows guns on campus. As it turns out, the Texas Legislature is not expected to vote on that bill until later this year.

But imagine if guns were allowed on campus. Police would respond to the report of a shooting on campus, and as they approach the area where the suspect was last seen, they see several men and women running around the area with guns drawn. How are the police supposed to know the shooter from the gun-wielding citizens?

This is another disaster waiting to happen. If teachers in elementary and secondary schools and professors and students on college campuses are allowed to carry weapons, the wrong people are going to be shot.

Audits save taxpayer money

Massachusetts saved up to $358,000 in the first fiscal quarter because of changes made in response to audits, according to State Auditor Suzanne Bump.

"It is important for the public to see that state agencies are embracing accountability and making positive changes," Bump said in an email. "This report demonstrates how our audits save taxpayer dollars, protect public assets, and improve service delivery. Together we are making government work better."

Post-audit review surveys are issued six months after the release of an audit with findings of financial or operation deficiencies. This week's report gives a progress update on 16 previously audited agencies. Among the savings reported are:

The Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDS) terminated its contract with a human service provider, after an audit identified various problems related to $1.2 million in expenses and billings. In addition, DDS recovered $28,436 in nonprogram-related expenditures.

The Weymouth Housing Authority reduced its average vacant unit turnaround period by more than 100 days, enabling the authority to generate about $150,000 more in rental income annually.

Northern Essex Community College implemented an automated system that ensures employee training and awareness of regulations related to safeguarding computer equipment, reducing personnel costs by $40,000 annually.

Filling gaps in senior care

We're glad to see continuing efforts by public and private entities to improve chronic care for senior citizens on Cape Cod. The latest effort is a series of forums hosted by the Barnstable County Department of Human Services.

On Feb. 8, from 9 a.m. to noon, the county will sponsor a seminar, titled "Navigating the Long-Term Care Service System for Older Adults and People with Disabilities," at the Cape Codder Resort & Spa on Route 132, Hyannis.

The forum will focus on federal, state and local policies and perspectives. The event will feature Sandra Albright, undersecretary of the state Executive Office of Elder Affairs, who will provide an overview of the long-term care service system in Massachusetts. Experts will then discuss the introduction of Senior Care Organizations to Cape Cod, Integrated Care Organizations for people with disabilities.

For more information, call Beth Albert, director of Barnstable County Human Services, at 508-375-6626 or email her at balbert@barnstablecounty.org